Photo credit: Independent Property Maintenance
So, what can you do? In this post, we’ll run through all the information you need about filling and repairing cracks in pebbledash render, including the causes of these cracks - and how you could coat over the pebbledash for long-lasting protection from cracks.
First of all, it’s important to understand what causes cracks in pebbledash. This will help you choose the best solution when it comes to filling and repairing them.
Pebbledash itself is an external wall coating comprising sand and cement, which is mixed with lots of tiny stones or pebbles. It was initially used as a quick, easy and cost-efficient way to cover poor brickwork.
Nowadays, it’s simply used to add an extra layer of weatherproofing to walls. That’s coupled with a distinctive, traditional look associated with the early 20th century, in which it became popular.
While pebbledash does add some weather-resistance to properties, it’s not immune from weathering over time. Constant exposure to wind and rain can weaken pebbledash on your walls, which eventually leads to cracks.
Additionally, the pebbledash has to cope with the natural movement of your walls. This happens on all properties from time to time, especially old buildings. Because pebbledash is a rigid material, it can’t cope with even the slightest movement of the primary wall, so it will crack as a result.
Once small cracks emerge, the weather will take hold. Wind and rain can get into the crack and loosen materials even more. Alternatively, water can freeze and expand within the crack when temperatures drop, causing a hairline crack in pebbledash to develop into a clearly visible problem.
When it comes to pebbledash crack repair, the first option is to fill the cracks – either yourself or by hiring someone to do it for you. Given that cracked pebbledash can rise right to the top of a property, you should not attempt to access and fill cracks unless you have the right equipment and training – doing so poses a risk to both yourself and your property.
While methods vary, the general advice is as follows:
Use a small brush or paint brush to remove dirt and dust from the affected areas. If using water, such as a jet wash, make sure the cracks are fully dry before filling them.
Fill cracks in pebbledash using a weather-resistant filler or mastic. Choose a product with a nozzle that fits the crack and is suitable for a caulking gun to make the application easier. Make sure the crack is filled properly to avoid further exposure to wind and rain.
Another option is using cement or mortar. However, this will be more difficult to apply into cracks without a high level of skill.
You can carefully place stones and pebbles into the filler before it’s dried to cover over the cracks. This will go some way to hiding cracks that have been filled, though they will usually be visible up close.
The steps above provide a relatively simple way to stop cracks in pebbledash developing and visually mask them to passersby. Unfortunately, though, it doesn’t tackle the root cause. Pebbledash is still a basic, non-flexible coating that can be damaged by movement and weathering in the future.
Because of this, new cracks can (and will) emerge in your pebbledash. Alternatively, those you’ve filled could continue to worsen if the crack hasn’t been completely filled and sealed. The result is a continuous cycle of repairing cracks in pebbledash render, which can leave your property looking worse for wear and significantly impair weatherproofing for your walls.
Continually filling cracks in pebbledash isn’t the only way forward if you want to protect your walls. SprayCork is a thin exterior wall coating which can be used to cover external materials like pebbledash for long-lasting protection and a new, stylish look.
Once the cracks in your existing pebbledash are filled, SprayCork is applied in one smooth, uniform coat to stop the problem from happening again. How? It’s naturally flexible, which makes it resistant to cracks from movement. It’s also weather-resistant, so rain, wind and ice won’t pose a problem.
Don’t just take our word for it – SprayCork comes with a guarantee of 25 years. So, you can enjoy the modern, stylish appearance and performance for years to come without worrying about constant maintenance and repairs. As well as visually transforming your walls in a choice of colours, it will improve their thermal efficiency and reduce the amount of sound that passes through.
If you’re tired of worrying about cracks in pebbledash, it’s time to do something about them. SprayCork can eliminate cracks and stop them coming back without the need to remove existing pebbledash or adjust your fixtures.
At CorkSol, we have a network of approved applicators who have been fully trained to apply SprayCork on exterior walls to the highest standards. Our products are available exclusively to these contractors to eliminate the guesswork when finding someone to repair cracked pebbledash.
Ready to get started? It’s as simple as entering a few details and describing your project. Our team will be in touch with a suitable, approved, local contractor so you can arrange a quote.
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